Secret | Chanmin | short fanfics

Part -03 final

Seungmin could easily notice how Jeongin had cheered up just from a genuine chat. He glanced over at Chan, and his heart raced as he saw Chan already staring at him. There was subtle pain in Chan’s eyes that made Seungmin’s heart ache. He felt like he had messed up their whole relationship. Chan was right; he should have resisted his feelings for him from the beginning. Their temporary happy moments had only led to a bigger conflict.

Changbin, observing the silent exchange between Seungmin and Chan, sensed the tension.

“Ughm…” Changbin cleared his throat before walking toward Seungmin. “Seungmin, can you help me with my song? I want to pre-record it with your voice so it’s easier to adjust the flows.”

“I’m coming too!” Hyunjin chimed in, interrupting. He always loved Seungmin’s voice and didn’t want him going to the studio alone, especially after everything they had gone through to recover him.

“Whatever, you dumpling,” Changbin teased Hyunjin.

The trio spent a mix of fun and serious time together recording. Hyunjin listened to Seungmin’s voiceover for the nth time, appreciating every note.

“Seungmin?” Mrs. Jang, one of their managers, called out to him.

“Yes, Mrs. Jang?” Seungmin replied with his usual smile.

“Can you help me fix the studio tomorrow? You’re having a break anyway,” she said.

“I’ll see, Mrs. Jang,” Seungmin responded, feeling a twinge of disappointment.

“Seungmin, you know you can always say ‘no,’ right?” Changbin said, concern creeped into his voice.

“But she helped me a lot earlier.”

“I know, kiddo, but it’s her job. She gets paid for everything, and she can’t use you like that,” Changbin replied softly, frustration lacing his words.

“You’re too nice, you know?” Hyunjin added.

“Yeah, and it’s not a good thing, kiddo,” Changbin continued. “Don’t let them treat you like that. You have a big heart, and you deserve better.”

Hyunjin hugged Seungmin from behind. “Exactly. Being kind and being nice is two different thing you know. Don't be too nice seungminaa”

" You know what?"

Suddenly, Seungmin spoke up with a stern voice, surprising both of them.

“Watch me.”

He opened the door, and the other two peeked out.

“Mrs. Jang, tomorrow is my day off, and I’m resting, so I can’t help with organizing the studio,” he said with a smile and returned to his friends.

Hyunjin and Changbin felt a swell of pride. When Seungmin came back, Hyunjin dramatically swiped away fake tears, leaning toward Changbin. “Our kid has grown up.”

Changbin acted along, saying, “That’s my boy.”

Seungmin laughed at his two fake parents, but inside, he felt more confident. He had always wanted to stand up for himself but didn’t realize saying ‘no’ could be this easy.

Hyunjin left early for dance class, and as they packed up to leave, Seungmin felt good.

“It really feels good,” he said.

Changbin smiled. “Yeah, you just have to try it once. Self-care first.”

“You know you deserve better, right? Don’t let others treat you like that. You have us. We all love you, even if we show it differently.”